MVC 2, Big 10 nada
From Bernie Miklasz’s column today:
If Packer had any honor, he’d apologize for going off half-cocked … or at least he should acknowledge that he underrated the MVC’s strength this season.”I don’t expect any apologies, and it isn’t necessary,” [MVC Commissioner Doug] Elgin said before flying home to St. Louis. “It’s not about apologies. It’s about better preparation by network broadcasters. These guys need to look at tape. They need to do their homework about our teams before they criticize us. These commentators need to be as prepared as the selection committee, and I don’t think they are.”
Let’s revisit what Billy Packer said, shall we?
During the interview, Packer said he disagreed with the committee’s decision to give at-large invitations to Wichita State, Bradley, Northern Iowa and George Mason. He cited statistics that indicated teams from the MVC and CAA had won only one game during the last three NCAA tournaments, while teams from the ACC had won 25 games.
Wichita State, Bradley and George Mason are in the Sweet 16, while ACC powers North Carolina and NC State are sitting at home. I’d say someone needs to shut Packer up, but Patrick O’Bryant and Lamar Butler seem to be doing that just fine on their own.
